Ryan Hopkins enters his first season as an assistant coach for men's soccer program. Hopkins primarily oversees the program's goalkeepers. Hopkins joined the Badger program prior to the 2012 campaign after serving for four seasons as an assistant coach at Cal Poly and 4 seasons at Concordia University (Irvine, Calif.).

With Cal Poly, Hopkins mentored former Mustang and current Chivas USA goalkeeper Patrick McLain to three All-Big West selections. Under the watch of Hopkins, McLain recorded the two highest save percentage figures in program history by leading all Big West goalkeepers in 2009 (.830) and 2010 (.835). McLain's conference-leading 0.92 goals against average in 2011 highlighted a history-making fall during which the Mustangs also set program records for fewest goals conceded (17, in 18 games) and fewest goals allowed per game (0.94) and led the Big West with a 0.90 team goals against average.

Hopkins also made his mark on the recruiting trail. Cal Poly has featured a top-40 recruiting class during each of his 4 seasons, pulling the No. 33 class for 2009, the No. 38 class in 2010, the No. 27 class in 2011 and the No.12 class in 2012 (as graded by CollegeSoccerNews.com).

Prior to Cal Poly Hopkins served as the lead assistant coach at Concordia (2004-08) and helped transform the Eagles into an NAIA powerhouse. Concordia advanced to the NAIA National Championship tournament for three-straight seasons during his time with the Eagles, finishing as runners-up in 2007 after falling in the title match against top-seeded Azusa Pacific, 2-0. Concordia spent five weeks atop the NAIA national rankings in 2007 after capturing Golden State Athletic Conference titles in 2005 and 2006. At Concordia, Hopkins coached 10 NAIA All-America selections, eight NAIA All-Far West Region picks and 20 All-GSAC players. With Hopkins, the Eagles were also ranked among the NAIA's top 25 teams for a 33-week period.

Hopkins has also served as coach and as the college coordinator for Irvine Strikers, one of 86 clubs in the United States Soccer Federation's Development Academy. With Hopkins, Irvine Strikers was ranked among the top-20 clubs nationally by several media publications.

A four-year starter in goal for Concordia (2000-04), Hopkins was twice named as an NAIA All-American and helped lead the program to its first appearance in the NAIA National Championship tournament in 2003. Hopkins departed Concordia as the program's career leader in victories, ranked second in goals-against average and shutouts and fourth in saves. In 2010, Hopkins was inducted into the Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame.

Hopkins graduated from Concordia in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in political science and obtained a master's degree in athletic administration in 2008. Hopkins also holds a USSF A license and a USSF National Goalkeeping License.